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Family Mediation Information & NewsFamily Court Case Ordered to Be Reheard to Safeguard Legal Process Integrity
A family court case involving a vulnerable mother has been ordered to be reheard after concerns were raised about procedural fairness and the integrity of the process. The case, which involved care proceedings, was referred back to the family court after the Court of...
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme: A Comprehensive Guide
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is a government-funded initiative in England and Wales designed to make mediation more accessible and affordable for families involved in disputes related to children. Introduced in March 2021, the scheme aims to encourage families...
Can Grandparents Apply For A Child Arrangements Order?
Grandparents often play a central role in the lives of their grandchildren, offering love, stability, and support. However, when relationships break down—whether between parents or between parents and grandparents—access to grandchildren can become limited or even...
What Does a Family Mediator Do?
As an experienced family mediator, I have witnessed first-hand how mediation can transform conflict into cooperation, enabling families to resolve disputes amicably without the need for costly and stressful court proceedings. In this article, I will provide an...
What is a 16.4 Guardian?
A 16.4 Guardian refers to a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) guardian appointed under Rule 16.4 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010. This provision allows the court to appoint a Children’s Guardian to represent and safeguard the...
New Rules Enhance Transparency in Family Courts
Starting early next year, journalists and legal bloggers will be permitted to report on family court cases across England and Wales, following new rules approved by the Ministry of Justice. This initiative aims to increase transparency within the family justice...
Rise of ‘Sovereign Citizen’ Ideology Disrupts Family Court Custody Disputes
During the pandemic, Alia’s* former partner began sending her “long-winded rants” via text message, asserting that COVID-19 was a hoax and that stay-at-home orders were unlawful. He took their children to anti-lockdown protests and shared what she later recognised as...
Family Mediation Week 2025: Promoting Dialogue, Resolution, and Positive Change
Family Mediation Week 2025 is set to take place from 27th to 31st January 2025, offering a dedicated platform to raise awareness about the benefits of mediation in resolving family disputes. Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), this annual event highlights...
Family Courts Prioritise Domestic Abuse Allegations Over ‘Parental Alienation’ Claims
Family courts in England and Wales are now advised to prioritise allegations of domestic abuse over claims of ‘parental alienation’, according to new guidance from the Family Justice Council. This advisory body, comprising senior judges, lawyers, and experts,...
Family Lawyers Anticipate Extended Wait for Divorce Law Reforms
Family law practitioners in England and Wales are preparing for a protracted period before witnessing substantial reforms in divorce legislation. The Law Commission is set to publish a scoping paper on 18 December 2024, reviewing the laws governing financial remedies...
